How To Catch Possums In A Possum Trap

Have you ever woken up to the unsettling sound of rustling in your attic, only to discover a family of possums has taken up residence? It's a surprisingly common problem for homeowners, and while these marsupials might seem harmless from afar, they can cause significant damage to property, spread diseases, and be a general nuisance. That's why humane and effective possum control is essential for maintaining a safe and peaceful living environment.

While calling a professional pest control service is always an option, learning how to safely and humanely trap a possum yourself can be a cost-effective and rewarding solution. This guide will provide you with the knowledge and practical steps needed to successfully lure these nocturnal creatures into a trap, ensuring their safe removal from your property and relocation to a more suitable habitat. With the right equipment and understanding of possum behavior, you can reclaim your space and protect your home.

What kind of bait should I use, and where should I place the trap?

What's the best bait to use in a possum trap?

The most effective bait for trapping possums is generally a combination of strong-smelling and appealing food items. Fruit, especially apples, bananas, and grapes, are excellent choices. Alternatives include peanut butter (used sparingly to avoid attracting rats) or commercially available possum baits.

Possums are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they'll eat a wide variety of foods. However, they're particularly attracted to sweet and fragrant offerings. When choosing your bait, consider what food sources are already available in the area. If there's an abundance of fallen fruit, a different, less common treat might be more enticing. The key is to use something that's both attractive to possums and easily accessible within the trap. A small amount of bait placed at the entrance of the trap can help lure the possum inside. It's also important to consider the safety of non-target animals. Avoid using baits that could be harmful to pets or native wildlife. For example, while meat might attract a possum, it could also attract cats or dogs. Consider using a bait that is less likely to appeal to these animals, while still being attractive to possums.

Where should I place the possum trap for the best results?

Place your possum trap in an area where you've observed possum activity, ideally along their known travel routes or near potential food sources and shelter. Look for signs like droppings, tracks, overturned garbage cans, or damage to gardens. Positioning the trap strategically increases the likelihood of the possum encountering it during its nightly foraging.

Effective trap placement considers the possum's natural behaviors. Possums often travel along fences, sheds, or under decks, utilizing these structures for cover and guidance. Placing the trap near these features, with the entrance facing the direction of travel, can greatly improve success rates. If you're targeting a possum in a garden, position the trap close to the damaged plants, but not directly on top of them, to avoid scaring the animal away. Also, ensure the trap is on a stable, level surface to prevent it from tipping over. Consider these locations for possum traps to improve the results: Remember to camouflage the trap slightly by covering it with leaves or burlap, but don't obstruct the entrance. This can help to reduce the possum's suspicion and make it more likely to enter. Finally, check the trap regularly, ideally every morning, to minimize stress on the captured animal and to comply with any local regulations regarding trapping.

Are there humane considerations when trapping possums?

Yes, humane considerations are paramount when trapping possums. Trapping should aim to minimize stress, injury, and suffering to the animal, adhering to best practices for capture and handling.

When trapping possums, selecting the right trap is crucial. Choose a commercially available, humane trap specifically designed for possums. These traps typically are box-style traps made of sturdy wire mesh or solid-sided material, which prevents the possum from injuring itself while trying to escape. Regular inspection of traps is essential, ideally at least once daily, and preferably twice (morning and evening), to minimize the time an animal spends confined. Prolonged confinement can lead to significant stress, dehydration, and even death, especially in hot weather. The placement of the trap also plays a significant role in humane trapping. Position the trap in areas where possums are known to frequent, such as near known food sources or along established travel routes. Avoid placing traps in direct sunlight or exposed areas where the trapped animal will be vulnerable to the elements or predators. Bait the trap with appealing food items like fruit (apples, bananas), vegetables, or commercially available possum baits. Using appropriate bait increases the likelihood of catching the target animal quickly and reduces the chances of capturing non-target species. After capture, handle the possum calmly and carefully to minimize stress. Wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, to protect yourself from potential bites or scratches. If relocation is permitted and necessary, transport the possum to a suitable release site that offers adequate food, water, and shelter, ideally within its established territory if possible. Avoid releasing possums in unfamiliar or already densely populated areas.

What type of trap is most effective for catching possums?

A single-door, humane cage trap, approximately 32x12x12 inches, is generally considered the most effective and ethical choice for catching possums. These traps allow you to capture the animal unharmed, enabling you to relocate it to a more suitable environment, if permitted by local regulations. The size is crucial; too small, and the possum may not enter, too large, and it may be difficult to manage.

While various trapping methods exist, including leg-hold traps, they are often inhumane and can cause significant injury to the animal, as well as potentially catching non-target species like domestic cats or dogs. Cage traps, on the other hand, are designed to safely contain the possum without causing harm. The mechanism typically involves a trigger plate that, when stepped on, releases the door, securely closing the possum inside. To maximize your chances of success, proper baiting is essential. Possums are opportunistic omnivores, so a variety of foods can be effective. Some popular and easily accessible baits include: Placement of the trap is also crucial. Possums often frequent areas near fences, sheds, or under decks. Setting the trap in these locations, along a known possum pathway, will increase the likelihood of a successful capture. Remember to check the trap regularly, ideally twice a day, to minimize the stress on the trapped animal.

How do I release a possum I've caught?

The safest and most humane way to release a possum you've trapped is to do so at dusk or night near a wooded area or other suitable habitat within a mile of where you caught it. Wear thick gloves for protection, approach the trap calmly, and slowly open the door away from you, allowing the possum to exit on its own accord. Avoid direct contact or startling the animal.

Releasing a possum in the right location is crucial for its survival. Opossums have established territories and relocation too far can disrupt their ability to find food and shelter, potentially leading to starvation or conflict with existing possums. Aim for an area with trees, bushes, or other natural cover where the possum can readily find refuge. Parks, greenbelts, or even large backyards with ample vegetation can be suitable. Before releasing the possum, check the immediate area for any potential hazards, such as busy roads, aggressive pets, or obvious dangers like construction sites. Give the possum a clear escape route away from the trap. Once the door is open, step back and allow the possum to leave on its own terms. Avoid any sudden movements or loud noises that could frighten it. If the possum hesitates, try gently tilting the trap towards the exit. Remember, patience is key. Finally, thoroughly clean the trap after the possum has been released. Use a disinfectant solution to remove any scent or potential contaminants, and rinse it well with water. This will help prevent attracting other animals and ensure the trap is ready for future use, should you need it.

What size trap is needed to catch a possum?

A trap size of approximately 10x12x32 inches is generally recommended for catching opossums. This size provides adequate space for the animal to enter comfortably and trigger the trap mechanism without causing injury.

For effective possum trapping, selecting the right size trap is crucial. Too small, and the possum may be hesitant to enter or get injured trying to squeeze inside. Too large, and the possum might be able to access the bait without fully entering, making it harder to trigger the trap. A trap in the recommended size range offers a balance, enticing the possum inside far enough to activate the trigger plate or mechanism, securely containing it until relocation. When purchasing or building a trap, also consider the mesh size. The wire mesh should be small enough to prevent the possum from escaping or reaching through to grab at objects outside the trap. Standard cage traps often feature openings that are appropriate for possum capture. Also consider the trap's construction. A sturdy trap made of durable materials like galvanized steel will not only withstand the possum's attempts to escape but will also last for many years of use.

How can I prevent attracting non-target animals to the trap?

Minimizing the attraction of non-target animals to your possum trap involves careful bait selection, strategic trap placement, and employing methods to physically exclude unwanted species. Focus on baits highly appealing to possums while being less attractive to other local wildlife, position the trap in areas frequented by possums but less so by other animals, and consider using trap modifications or barriers to limit access for larger or smaller creatures.

To refine your approach, research the specific animals that frequent your area. For example, if you know raccoons are a common problem, avoid using sweet baits like marshmallows or fruit, which are highly appealing to them. Instead, consider using commercial possum baits that often have a strong, musky scent more attractive to possums. Alternatively, you could use oily fish like sardines, or even peanut butter smeared sparingly on the back of the trap (so possums have to enter to reach it). Strategic trap placement is crucial. Possums are often found in trees, near sheds, and along fences. Placing the trap in these areas increases the likelihood of catching a possum while reducing the chances of attracting ground-dwelling animals like skunks or domestic cats. If possible, elevate the trap slightly (but make sure possums can access it) to further discourage ground-based animals. Avoid placing the trap near bird feeders or compost heaps, as these will naturally attract a wider range of wildlife. Finally, consider using physical deterrents. Hardware cloth with appropriately sized mesh can be used to create a funnel-shaped entrance to the trap. This allows possums to enter easily but may deter larger animals. Regularly check the trap and release any non-target animals unharmed. Consider a trail camera pointed at the trap to monitor what is being attracted before you catch anything, that way you will better be able to prevent attracting non-target animals.

And there you have it! Hopefully, these tips will help you humanely and successfully relocate your possum friend. Thanks for reading, and good luck with your trapping endeavors! Feel free to swing by again if you have any more critter conundrums – we're always happy to help!